Novartis said on Thursday that its Cosentyx drug had failed in a late-stage trial on adults with giant cell arteritis (GCA), a condition characterised by inflammation of the arteries.

Fortunately, bilateral subclavian artery disease is an infrequent finding, and when it occurs, it can represent either atherosclerosis or underlying arteritis (i.e., Takayasus arteritis).

Atherosclerosis, or arteriosclerosis, happens when plaque collects and causes the arteries to narrow and harden, affecting blood flow. Learn more here.

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage cover screenings, tests, procedures, and surgery for cardiovascular disease. Read more.

Read current medical research on risk factors, causes and prevention of heart disease, strokes, and peripheral arterial disease. What new treatment options are under development?